Hey there everybody, I'm currently in the market for a different daily driver, and based on my preferences the Mini Cooper S appears to be the best fit.

I'm more interested in the turbo version (from what I've read, all the '07s and up are turbo), but not completely against the supercharged one. What is the over consensus between the two? Without splitting hairs, is one platform more desirable than the other?

When inspecting a Mini, are there any specifics I should be on the lookout for?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT****

Got one - 2007 MCS, JCW aero kit, Koenig wheels, painted calipers, aftermarket rotors (all I have noticed so far).

 

Unfortunately I cant talk about the previous generation. Depends on how much you want to spend. I would look at the body makes sure the panels line up perfectly. Drive it as fast as you legally can and see if it goes perfectly straight. If the oppurtunity is there get one with warranty left. on Minis with over 40k i would particularly listen for the cold start rattle, Mini did apparently engineer in some noise with the direct injection and a noisey vacuum pump.. Take a MINI guru when you go to test, maybe he will be able to diagnoise noises. See if you can get the key read at a dealer. If buying a high mileage one a good idea would be saving money for worse case scenarios, Clutch,transmission and engine problems. If you have money stashed away for worse case scenarios or you know how to turn a wrench yourself high mileage maybe okay.. otherwise look for warranty. Not every MINI will have timing chain issues, but you should be prepared.

 

Thanks for the advice, some good information there. The ones I've been looking at have been right there around the 40k mark. I would like to think I'm pretty handy with a wrench (pulled the motor from a few tacoma pickup trucks, as well as a new mustang).

In regards to the cold start rattle, has this been a common issue? Has this been diagnosed, if so what was the cause?

Where there any packages that I should be on the look out for (suspension, brake, body styling, etc)?

 

Here is some reading material
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/11/...-s-r53-vs-r56/

 

Fantastic! Thank you.

 

Antime. Let us know when you find the right one. Good luck

 

For the timing chain issues, its mostly blamed on a faulty tensioner 2007-2010, a frugal oil change interval of 15k, and people not checking their oil after every fill up. This problem is more frequent in the turbo cars. 2011's got an upgraded tensioner which is backwards compatible with the earlier models. And MINI/BMW only covering their engineering flaw on an as needed basis. There is 1000's of posts on engine rattle of death,videos on youtube and etc. This is no where near everything on the topic. but its a pretty good jist. The MINI is a great car to drive, but it can expensive to upkeep. This info usually scares the Noobs away. You can also find articles where MINI's are mentioned as used cars to avoid. Cars that are reliable do not drive,handle or sound like a MINI.

 

Well, found one that I liked and pulled the trigger. 2007 MCS, mellow yellow, has the JCW aero kit, koenig wheels, painted calipers, and aftermarket rotors. Everything else looks to be stock.

As soon as my phone finishes charging, I will upload a couple of pictures. I'm thinking some lowering springs are needed.

The only issue I have found is that the shifter ball is loose and comes off the shaft during 'even' shifting (2, 4, 6). Is this a common issue?

 

No this is not common. Make sure it is pushed all the way down on the shaft.

 

I have and it will fit into place where it feel it should be, but it will still come loose. Is the shifter ball held on by epoxy, a set screw, something else?

 

No it is pressed on.
The **** is attached to the shift lever shaft with a plastic sleeve. On the inside of this sleeve is a ridge that fits into the groove on the shaft. To push this ridge onto the groove requires enough force to cause the plastic sleeve to expand. So, you have to push hardMINI stock **** Shift lever shaft

 

I was just reading another thread that basically described the same thing that you just said. Seems like in most scenarios the ball is a PITA to pull off. I think I may take advantage of this situation and replace the shifter **** (not overly thrilled with feeling).

 

 

Very nice. Good luck.

 

Cough Cough Black Hood Scoop ...

Sweet car

 

TY! I think a black scoop would look good. Good call.

 

Nice. Not a colour we see here often. Now get it a good Insp2 service - no matter what the history says.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but what is an Insp2 service?